Mexico could have fallen further behind, but found their footing as the half went on. They ended the first period much the brighter side but, after a more even restart to proceedings, Timo Werner's tap-in ensured it was the world champions who were Saint Petersburg-bound.

Marco Fabian's 40-yard thunderbolt gave the travelling fans something sensational to cheer about, but Amin Younes made sure the three-goal cushion remained with a speedy last-minute response to rubber-stamp Germany's final ticket.

"It was one of those games that could hardly have gone any better for Germany: After a lightning-quick start with those two Goretzka goals, they were content to sit back and let Mexico attack. Die Mannschaft were a bit lucky that El Tri failed to convert even one of a host of good opportunities, before making it 3-0 to end the contest when Mexico were arguably at their peak. It was a harsh result to take for the CONCACAF champions, who invested so much here. Now everyone can look forward to a rematch of the Chile tie - the only team able to get a result from Germany at this tournament so far​." Steffen Potter, Germany team reporter

"Mexico paid the price for their risk-taking approach and deservedly lost against a German side who, in their usual efficient way, made the most of their chances. El Tri had control of the ball for long periods of the game, generating many chances of their own, but in the end their defence was just too exposed for Die Mannschaft's counter-attacks. This should be taken as a learning experience for Juan Carlos Osorio if they want to excel in Russia next year.." Martin Langer, Mexico team reporter